Islamabad: Faced with widespread violence following the killing of Baloch leader Nawab Akbar Bugti, Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has warned that strict action would be taken against anyone who harmed the country.
"Whoever wants to harm Pakistan nationally or internationally would have to fight with me first," he said stressing that no one would be allowed to harm the country while he remained in power.
In his first public comments since violence broke out last weekend following Bugti's killing in a military encounter, Musharraf told a public meeting in the summer resort of Murree near Islamabad that strict action would taken against anti-state elements.
“Elements opposed to the development and prosperity of the country would be dealt with iron hands,” he added.
"No comprise would be made on the country's stability and interest. Government during last five years has taken several initiatives for the development and prosperity of Balochistan that has not been taken in last 50 years," he was quoted as saying.
However, as the opposition parties alleged that Bugti's killing would further alienate people of Balochistan from Pakistan, he said that his only demand from the people of the province was to "love Pakistan".
"I want to tell the poor people of Balochistan who are suffering from a sense of deprivation for the last 50 years that the government is committed to their welfare," he said.
In an attempt to mollify protestors, Musharraf said he loved Balochs and worked for their prosperity through various development projects and the only reward he wanted in return from the province was to "love Pakistan".
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